Seoul National University Suspends Professor Cho Kuk's Position... "Difficult to Conduct Normal Lectures" (Comprehensive)

Indicted on Charges of Bribery and Abuse of Power... Deemed Unable to Perform Duties
Cho Kuk's Statement on Facebook: "Unfair but Calmly Accepting School's Decision"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] Professor Cho Kuk of Seoul National University School of Law, who was indicted without detention on charges including bribery, has been suspended from his position.

Seoul National University announced on the 29th that it decided to suspend Professor Cho Kuk, who resigned as Minister of Justice and returned to the School of Law in October last year, following his indictment on charges of bribery and abuse of authority.

Seoul National University explained regarding Professor Cho, "We judged that normal job performance is difficult and decided to suspend his position as of the 29th in accordance with relevant regulations," adding, "Suspension of position is an administrative measure that suspends the duties as a professor, unlike disciplinary actions that determine guilt or innocence."

According to the Private School Act, if a faculty member is indicted in a criminal case, the school may suspend the position to protect students' right to education. Although Seoul National University is a national university corporation, the Private School Act is applied in regulations concerning faculty discipline.

During the suspension period, 50% of the monthly salary is paid for the first three months, and thereafter 30% of the monthly salary is paid.

This suspension decision leaves room for future discussions on disciplinary procedures such as dismissal, removal, or suspension of Professor Cho.

However, even if disciplinary procedures are initiated, it is expected to take considerable time before decisions on whether to discipline and the level of discipline are made.

A Seoul National University official explained, "It is necessary to convene a disciplinary committee and hear the party's explanation, and disciplinary discussions are often temporarily suspended depending on the progress of the trial."

Meanwhile, Professor Cho took a leave of absence from his position at Seoul National University when he was appointed as Senior Secretary to the President for Civil Affairs in May 2017, and returned to his position on August 1 this year after stepping down from that role. He then took a leave of absence on September 9 after being nominated as Minister of Justice, and returned again on October 15 following his resignation from the ministerial post.

Regarding this, Professor Cho stated his position on Seoul National University's decision, saying, "It is unfair to impose disadvantages on status solely based on indictment, but I will calmly accept Seoul National University's decision."

Through his Facebook, Professor Cho pointed out, "This is a disadvantageous measure taken at the discretion of the university president against an indicted professor. Now, until the trial results come out, the professor status is maintained, but lectures cannot be conducted," adding, "Although suspension of position is not a disciplinary action, it is easily perceived publicly as such, and there is concern that unfavorable public opinion may be formed before the fiercely contested trial."

He continued, "Disadvantageous measures against professors must be carried out while upholding the constitutional principle of 'presumption of innocence,' and it is unfair to impose disadvantages on status solely based on indictment, which reflects only the prosecution's unilateral judgment," emphasizing this point.

However, Professor Cho said, "Nevertheless, I calmly accept the decision of the president of Seoul National University," and added, "I assume that concerns were raised about the possible 'commotion' inside and outside the university and the burdens that might arise if I were to conduct lectures."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.